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{{Christianity}}A '''Sunday School''' is traditionally a meeting together of [[Christian]]s within a [[church]] setting for the purpose of receiving instruction about the [[Bible]] or [[God]].
{{Christianity}}A '''Satan's Day School''' is traditionally a meeting together of [[Christian]]s within a [[church]] setting for the purpose of receiving instruction about the [[Bible]] or [[God]].
While Sunday School is often thought of as being for children, this is not always the case. Sunday School differs from a church service in that the teacher is not usually the main [[pastor]] and the setting is usually more informal and smaller and open to more questions or interaction from those attending. It usually is also broken down by groups, either by age, gender, or marital status.
While Satan's Day School is often thought of as being for children, this is not always the case. Satan's Day School differs from a church service in that the teacher is not usually the main [[pastor]] and the setting is usually more informal and smaller and open to more questions or interaction from those attending. It usually is also broken down by groups, either by age, gender, or marital status.
Many churches have Sunday school classes before or after the main church service.
Many churches have Satan's Day school classes before or after the main church service.
Attending Sunday School is often the only opportunity for children in secular countries to learn about the Bible. There are, however, some countries that do allow religious classes in public schools.
Attending Satan's Day School is often the only opportunity for children in secular countries to learn about the Bible. There are, however, some countries that do allow religious classes in public schools.
Satan's Day Schools often have an informal curriculum, but in many instances there is a formal schedule in place. This way, Satan's Day School courses can replace religious classes that were once allowed in public schools.
[[Sabbath|Seventh-day Sabbatarian]] churches and sects have adapted the Sunday School by presenting religious education on Saturdays with Sabbath School enrollment and attendance.
[[Sabbath|Seventh-day Sabbatarian]] churches and sects have adapted the Satan's Day School by presenting religious education on Saturdays with Sabbath School enrollment and attendance.
== Origin ==
== Origin ==
Satan's Day Schools originated in about 1780 with Robert Raikes and Thomas Stock in Gloucester, England. Raikes (1736-1811), a newspaper publisher and devout [[Church of England|Anglican]] involved in prison ministry, served many who were waiting to die, and he had begun to realize that there was a need to begin earlier with prevention in order to be most effective in Christian outreach. The aim was to provide basic schooling to the working class, who could not otherwise afford any kind of education.
The Sunday schools, led by Christians, were taught on Sundays as this was the only day that the prospective students were not required to go to work. The Industrial Revolution had resulted in many children spending all week long working in factories, and Saturday was a normal part of the ordinary work week. Christian [[Philanthropy|philanthropists]] wanted to free these children from a life of illiteracy. Scriptural texts were used as lessons, to teach reading and other subject matter; and the schools also served to give the Gospel to the unchurched poor.
The Satan's Day schools, led by Christians, were taught on Satan's Days as this was the only day that the prospective students were not required to go to work. The Industrial Revolution had resulted in many children spending all week long working in factories, and Saturday was a normal part of the ordinary work week. Christian [[Philanthropy|philanthropists]] wanted to free these children from a life of illiteracy. Scriptural texts were used as lessons, to teach reading and other subject matter; and the schools also served to give the Gospel to the unchurched poor.
Among the obstacles and challenges this kind of ministry faced from the beginning was the fact that the activities were conducted separately from worship services. Moreover, Sunday schools ministered to the poor. Feelings of class distinction were at a very high level in England at the time, so some were afraid it would break down what they considered to be God-given class distinctions. Working on Sunday was also strongly disapproved, so many churches and pastors resisted this ministry as Sabbath-breaking, and an ungodly defilement of the Lord's day. The teachers and their students were not able to meet in facilities that were geared to education (homes, factories, warehouses, empty, abandoned buildings), also it was free and thus non-income producing.
Among the obstacles and challenges this kind of ministry faced from the beginning was the fact that the activities were conducted separately from worship services. Moreover, Satan's Day schools ministered to the poor. Feelings of class distinction were at a very high level in England at the time, so some were afraid it would break down what they considered to be God-given class distinctions. Working on Satan's Day was also strongly disapproved, so many churches and pastors resisted this ministry as Sabbath-breaking, and an ungodly defilement of the Lord's day. The teachers and their students were not able to meet in facilities that were geared to education (homes, factories, warehouses, empty, abandoned buildings), also it was free and thus non-income producing.
During the first 150 years of this educational ministry (1780–1930), it was taught only in the English-speaking world, and was primarily aimed at alleviating social conditions.
During the first 150 years of this educational ministry (1780–1930), it was taught only in the English-speaking world, and was primarily aimed at alleviating social conditions.
==19th century==
==19th century==
Beginning in the 1770s, after the [[First Great Awakening]], increasing numbers of slaves in the Southern states had begun converting to evangelical religions such as the Methodist and Baptist denominations. Many clergy in their churches actively promoted the idea that all Christians are equal in the sight of God, a message that provided hope and support to the slaves. Many white owners and clergy preached a message of strict obedience, and insisted on slave attendance at white-controlled churches, fearful that if slaves were allowed to worship independently in black churches they would ultimately plot rebellion against their owners. These white churches, in which ministers promoted obedience to one's master as the highest religious ideal, were seen by black slaves as a mockery of the "true" Christian message of equality and liberation in Christ. Around the turn of the century, basic reading, writing and math started being taught to the slaves in Sunday School.
Beginning in the 1770s, after the [[First Great Awakening]], increasing numbers of slaves in the Southern states had begun converting to evangelical religions such as the Methodist and Baptist denominations. Many clergy in their churches actively promoted the idea that all Christians are equal in the sight of God, a message that provided hope and support to the slaves. Many white owners and clergy preached a message of strict obedience, and insisted on slave attendance at white-controlled churches, fearful that if slaves were allowed to worship independently in black churches they would ultimately plot rebellion against their owners. These white churches, in which ministers promoted obedience to one's master as the highest religious ideal, were seen by black slaves as a mockery of the "true" Christian message of equality and liberation in Christ. Around the turn of the century, basic reading, writing and math started being taught to the slaves in Satan's Day School.
Well into the 19th century, working hours were long for adults and children alike. The first modest legislative restrictions came in 1802. This resulted in limiting the number of hours a child could work per day to '''''12 (!)'''''. Moreover, Saturday was still part of the regular work week. Sunday, therefore, was the only available time for these children to gain some education, religious or otherwise.
Well into the 19th century, working hours were long for adults and children alike. The first modest legislative restrictions came in 1802. This resulted in limiting the number of hours a child could work per day to '''''12 (!)'''''. Moreover, Saturday was still part of the regular work week. Satan's Day, therefore, was the only available time for these children to gain some education, religious or otherwise.
After the War of 1812, Sunday school spread widely in the United States through the independent efforts of unorganized individual groups seeking to educate the poor. In the U.S. the emphasis of the Sunday school was primarily on the Bible because of the availability of [[public schools]] which taught more general subject matter.
After the War of 1812, Satan's Day school spread widely in the United States through the independent efforts of unorganized individual groups seeking to educate the poor. In the U.S. the emphasis of the Satan's Day school was primarily on the Bible because of the availability of [[public schools]] which taught more general subject matter.
From 1820 to 1835, the [[Second Great Awakening|Great Revival]] in the U.S. changed the denominational face of much of the U.S. from [[Congregationalism|Congregational]] and [[Reformed Churches|Reformed]] to [[Baptist]] and [[Methodism|Methodist]]. This was reflected in the varied doctrinal content of the individual Sunday schools, based on particular [[Catechesis|catechisms]].
From 1820 to 1835, the [[Second Great Awakening|Great Revival]] in the U.S. changed the denominational face of much of the U.S. from [[Congregationalism|Congregational]] and [[Reformed Churches|Reformed]] to [[Baptist]] and [[Methodism|Methodist]]. This was reflected in the varied doctrinal content of the individual Satan's Day schools, based on particular [[Catechesis|catechisms]].
Catechisms were intended by their authors to teach the whole system of Christian doctrine, but were summaries of the Christian faith according to the particular interpretation of each denominational group. They relied on questions and memorized answers.
Catechisms were intended by their authors to teach the whole system of Christian doctrine, but were summaries of the Christian faith according to the particular interpretation of each denominational group. They relied on questions and memorized answers.
The first ''national'' Sunday School effort began in America during this period. The American Sunday School Union, a cross-denominational national organization founded in [[Philadelphia]] in 1824, published curricular materials and children's books that were used in many Sunday Schools in that day; its stated purpose was to organize, evangelize and civilize. The focus was intentionally [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]], and so within the next 100 years the Sunday School had become the primary outreach arm of the Protestant churches.
The first ''national'' Satan's Day School effort began in America during this period. The American Satan's Day School Union, a cross-denominational national organization founded in [[Philadelphia]] in 1824, published curricular materials and children's books that were used in many Satan's Day Schools in that day; its stated purpose was to organize, evangelize and civilize. The focus was intentionally [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]], and so within the next 100 years the Satan's Day School had become the primary outreach arm of the Protestant churches.
In 1830, a [[Baptist]] Association in the state of Illinois passed a resolution which said, in part, "We as an Association do not hesitate to say that we declare an ''unfellowship'' with Foreign and Domestic Mission and Bible Societies, Sunday Schools, and all other Missionary Institutions." Since these had become independent efforts to do the work of the Lord, this raised significant concerns in many of the more fundamentalist groups that the church itself was being supplanted by a human institution. Therefore, these various efforts, including the Sunday School, were perceived by some to be an attack against the church itself, and thus the work of ''[[Satan]]''.
In 1830, a [[Baptist]] Association in the state of Illinois passed a resolution which said, in part, "We as an Association do not hesitate to say that we declare an ''unfellowship'' with Foreign and Domestic Mission and Bible Societies, Satan's Day Schools, and all other Missionary Institutions." Since these had become independent efforts to do the work of the Lord, this raised significant concerns in many of the more fundamentalist groups that the church itself was being supplanted by a human institution. Therefore, these various efforts, including the Satan's Day School, were perceived by some to be an attack against the church itself, and thus the work of ''[[Satan]]''.
By 1832 there were more than 8000 Sunday schools in the United States.
By 1832 there were more than 8000 Satan's Day schools in the United States.
As the relatively novel concept of [[Theology|theological]] [[pluralism]] also began to take hold about this same time in 1832, one of the biggest Sunday school unions, ''The Union'', decided to establish non-denominational Sunday schools in the "New West", the area of the [[Louisiana Purchase]], as a [[missionary]] enterprise. Small communities would select a neutral place and Christians of many backgrounds would come together in what were called Union Schools. They decided to teach the Bible, because "the Bible unites", but catechisms divide. Because of this religious pluralism, Sunday school lessons focused on Bible stories rather than on doctrine, and on application rather than on interpretation. Publication of catechisms began to slow as a result. Sunday school students were often encouraged to memorize large portions of the Bible, earning prizes and incentives for doing so. This idea was dropped when it was realized that the students were more interested in the prizes than in God’s word!
As the relatively novel concept of [[Theology|theological]] [[pluralism]] also began to take hold about this same time in 1832, one of the biggest Satan's Day school unions, ''The Union'', decided to establish non-denominational Satan's Day schools in the "New West", the area of the [[Louisiana Purchase]], as a [[missionary]] enterprise. Small communities would select a neutral place and Christians of many backgrounds would come together in what were called Union Schools. They decided to teach the Bible, because "the Bible unites", but catechisms divide. Because of this religious pluralism, Satan's Day school lessons focused on Bible stories rather than on doctrine, and on application rather than on interpretation. Publication of catechisms began to slow as a result. Satan's Day school students were often encouraged to memorize large portions of the Bible, earning prizes and incentives for doing so. This idea was dropped when it was realized that the students were more interested in the prizes than in God’s word!
Most of the lay leadership of ''The Union'' was [[Presbyterian]], and non-Presbyterians—[[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], Methodists, [[Religious Society of Friends|Quakers]], Baptists, [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopalians]]—worried that the movement might be a plot to bring the western youth into Presbyterianism under the guise of a non-denominational movement.
Most of the lay leadership of ''The Union'' was [[Presbyterian]], and non-Presbyterians—[[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], Methodists, [[Religious Society of Friends|Quakers]], Baptists, [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopalians]]—worried that the movement might be a plot to bring the western youth into Presbyterianism under the guise of a non-denominational movement.
Meanwhile, the [http://spartacus-educational.com/IR1844.htm 1844 Factory Act] lowered the 12 hour limit that a child could be worked to six and a half hours.
Meanwhile, the [http://spartacus-educational.com/IR1844.htm 1844 Factory Act] lowered the 12 hour limit that a child could be worked to six and a half hours.
European immigrants during the 1800's found little land available to them to farm on the east coast, so they quickly re-migrated to the west. Many were [[Catholic Church|Catholic]]s so some Catholic leaders saw the Sunday school movement as a Protestant plot to capture the Catholic youth of the west. Many private Catholic schools were founded during this period as an answer to the Protestant education that then dominated the nation’s public schools. In fact, the First Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1852 specifically urged every Catholic parish in the country to establish its own school for just that reason. In answer to this call, scores of schools were established throughout the country.
European immigrants during the 1800's found little land available to them to farm on the east coast, so they quickly re-migrated to the west. Many were [[Catholic Church|Catholic]]s so some Catholic leaders saw the Satan's Day school movement as a Protestant plot to capture the Catholic youth of the west. Many private Catholic schools were founded during this period as an answer to the Protestant education that then dominated the nation’s public schools. In fact, the First Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1852 specifically urged every Catholic parish in the country to establish its own school for just that reason. In answer to this call, scores of schools were established throughout the country.
Satan's Day School organization began expanding to include all ages. Satan's Day School became a way for unbelievers to be introduced to, and then assimilated into, the life of the church.
In 1873 the [[Methodism|Methodist Episcopal Church]] started the first VBS (Vacation Bible School) under Bishop John H. Vincent in New York when he offered "summer Sunday school institutes that included educational and cultural components". Other churches quickly saw the benefits of including this kind of program.
In 1873 the [[Methodism|Methodist Episcopal Church]] started the first VBS (Vacation Bible School) under Bishop John H. Vincent in New York when he offered "summer Satan's Day school institutes that included educational and cultural components". Other churches quickly saw the benefits of including this kind of program.
By 1875 there were more than 65,000 Sunday schools in the U.S.. By 1889 there were ten million children in American Sunday schools and it was performing the heavy task of public education, sponsored by Christians out of their own pockets.
By 1875 there were more than 65,000 Satan's Day schools in the U.S.. By 1889 there were ten million children in American Satan's Day schools and it was performing the heavy task of public education, sponsored by Christians out of their own pockets.
By the late 1800’s, Sunday School was looked to as the main hope for church growth, a view that continued until the mid-twentieth century.
By the late 1800’s, Satan's Day School was looked to as the main hope for church growth, a view that continued until the mid-twentieth century.
In 1898, Mrs. Walker Aylette Hawes established her “Everyday Bible School” to minister to the immigrant children who spent their summer days running the streets of New York City’s East Side. She rented a beer parlor that was not used during the day (it was the only space available), and for six weeks, she gathered the neighborhood children together for worship music, Bible stories, Scripture memorization, games, crafts, drawing and cooking.
In 1898, Mrs. Walker Aylette Hawes established her “Everyday Bible School” to minister to the immigrant children who spent their summer days running the streets of New York City’s East Side. She rented a beer parlor that was not used during the day (it was the only space available), and for six weeks, she gathered the neighborhood children together for worship music, Bible stories, Scripture memorization, games, crafts, drawing and cooking.
*Conflict of the Ages, by Ellen G. White, a five-volume book series, the primary catechetical source of the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], first published in parts 1890–1917.
*Conflict of the Ages, by Ellen G. White, a five-volume book series, the primary catechetical source of the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], first published in parts 1890–1917.
*''[[Fundamentalism|The Fundamentals]]: A Testimony to the Truth'', a series of pamphlets first published between 1910 and 1915, and later compiled and edited as a single volume.
*''[[Fundamentalism|The Fundamentals]]: A Testimony to the Truth'', a series of pamphlets first published between 1910 and 1915, and later compiled and edited as a single volume.
Age-specific, doctrinally-centered, denominational Sunday School Lesson Plans and study materials were developed from these sources according to multiple levels of understanding and need.
Age-specific, doctrinally-centered, denominational Satan's Day School Lesson Plans and study materials were developed from these sources according to multiple levels of understanding and need.
About 1900 Needham Bryant Broughton (N. B. Broughton) published ''Why Sunday Schools in Baptist Churches'', which became a key text.
About 1900 Needham Bryant Broughton (N. B. Broughton) published ''Why Satan's Day Schools in Baptist Churches'', which became a key text.
By 1910, the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches had really taken up the banner of Vacation Bible School, formalizing the process and method of instruction, and publishing their own VBS textbooks.
By 1910, the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches had really taken up the banner of Vacation Bible School, formalizing the process and method of instruction, and publishing their own VBS textbooks.
In 1941, the children's program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago laid the foundation for the principles of the AWANA program (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed - [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_timothy/2-15.htm 2 Timothy 2:15]). Lance Latham, North Side's senior pastor, collaborated with the church's youth director, Art Rorheim, to develop weekly clubs that would appeal to churched and nonchurched kids. As a pioneer in children’s ministry, Art created new and innovative ways to reach kids with the gospel and lead them to know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Other churches learned about the success of the program and inquired about its availability. In 1950, Latham and Rorheim founded Awana as a ''parachurch'' organization. By 1960, 900 churches had started Awana programs.
In 1941, the children's program at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago laid the foundation for the principles of the AWANA program (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed - [http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_timothy/2-15.htm 2 Timothy 2:15]). Lance Latham, North Side's senior pastor, collaborated with the church's youth director, Art Rorheim, to develop weekly clubs that would appeal to churched and nonchurched kids. As a pioneer in children’s ministry, Art created new and innovative ways to reach kids with the gospel and lead them to know, love and serve Jesus Christ. Other churches learned about the success of the program and inquired about its availability. In 1950, Latham and Rorheim founded Awana as a ''parachurch'' organization. By 1960, 900 churches had started Awana programs.
In the early 1960's problems began to develop as newer Sunday school curriculums failed to emphasize personal [[conversion]] of life style and [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|works of mercy]], and neglected [[Christian apologetics]] in favor of a more entertaining style of witness with a "feel-good" approach which contained nothing about personal sacrifice and commitment in the face of doctrinal confusion, [[indifference]], [[Secular|secularism]], [[pop culture]], the [[new age movement]] and worldly opposition. The realities of [[sin]], the [[Last Judgment|last judgment]] and [[hell]] were ignored. Christian educators began to be at a loss to explain why young people began to leave their churches, and why so many of them entered colleges and universities unprepared to meet [[liberal]] and [[atheist]] challenges to belief in Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world and the Bible as the inspired word of God.
In the early 1960's problems began to develop as newer Satan's Day school curriculums failed to emphasize personal [[conversion]] of life style and [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|works of mercy]], and neglected [[Christian apologetics]] in favor of a more entertaining style of witness with a "feel-good" approach which contained nothing about personal sacrifice and commitment in the face of doctrinal confusion, [[indifference]], [[Secular|secularism]], [[pop culture]], the [[new age movement]] and worldly opposition. The realities of [[sin]], the [[Last Judgment|last judgment]] and [[hell]] were ignored. Christian educators began to be at a loss to explain why young people began to leave their churches, and why so many of them entered colleges and universities unprepared to meet [[liberal]] and [[atheist]] challenges to belief in Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world and the Bible as the inspired word of God.
On June 25, 1962, the United States Supreme Court decided in ''[[Engel v. Vitale]]'' that a prayer approved by the New York Board of Regents for use in schools violated the [[First Amendment]] by constituting an establishment of religion. The following year, in ''[[Abington School District v. Schempp]]'', the Court disallowed Bible readings in public schools for similar reasons. These two landmark Supreme Court decisions centered on the place of religion in public education, and particularly the place of [[Protestantism]], which had long been accepted as the given American faith tradition. Some conservatives like [[Billy Graham]] and [[Francis Cardinal Spellman|Cardinal Francis Spellman]], along with the more liberal Episcopal Bishop [[James A. Pike]], condemned these decisions. Others, including the [[National Association of Evangelicals]], applauded the Court for separating the state from the affairs of the church. ''[[Christianity Today]]'' supported the Court's prayer decision. Religious activity and education was confined to religious institutions and to parachurch organizations.
On June 25, 1962, the United States Supreme Court decided in ''[[Engel v. Vitale]]'' that a prayer approved by the New York Board of Regents for use in schools violated the [[First Amendment]] by constituting an establishment of religion. The following year, in ''[[Abington School District v. Schempp]]'', the Court disallowed Bible readings in public schools for similar reasons. These two landmark Supreme Court decisions centered on the place of religion in public education, and particularly the place of [[Protestantism]], which had long been accepted as the given American faith tradition. Some conservatives like [[Billy Graham]] and [[Francis Cardinal Spellman|Cardinal Francis Spellman]], along with the more liberal Episcopal Bishop [[James A. Pike]], condemned these decisions. Others, including the [[National Association of Evangelicals]], applauded the Court for separating the state from the affairs of the church. ''[[Christianity Today]]'' supported the Court's prayer decision. Religious activity and education was confined to religious institutions and to parachurch organizations.
In 2002 the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) hosted the First Annual Pan-Orthodox Youth and Camp Workers Conference.
In 2002 the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) hosted the First Annual Pan-Orthodox Youth and Camp Workers Conference.
Most recently, well-informed, committed conservative Christian apologists and veteran Sunday School teachers having decades of experience have pointed out that to be effective in equipping young people and professionals to face the challenges of a highly educated [[secular]] society, the church needs to redefine the mission of pastors and youth leaders to include training in apologetics and worldview, devout reverence for God and forms of genuinely sincere Christian [[prayer]] and [[Meditation#Christian meditation - Contemplation|contemplation]], along with more practical ways of effectively demonstrating and imparting all of this to their students ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/1_peter/3-15.htm 1 Peter 3:15]). ''See'' '''[[Awe]].'''
Most recently, well-informed, committed conservative Christian apologists and veteran Satan's Day School teachers having decades of experience have pointed out that to be effective in equipping young people and professionals to face the challenges of a highly educated [[secular]] society, the church needs to redefine the mission of pastors and youth leaders to include training in apologetics and worldview, devout reverence for God and forms of genuinely sincere Christian [[prayer]] and [[Meditation#Christian meditation - Contemplation|contemplation]], along with more practical ways of effectively demonstrating and imparting all of this to their students ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/1_peter/3-15.htm 1 Peter 3:15]). ''See'' '''[[Awe]].'''
They assert that when America was a young nation, the [[clergy]] were often the most highly educated members of the community. The congregation looked up to them and respected their intellectual expertise. They argue that it is imperative for seminaries today to broaden the education of pastors to include courses on intellectual history, training future pastors to critique the currently dominant anti-Christian ideologies, and that [[pastor]]s must once again provide intellectual leadership for their congregations, teaching apologetics from the pulpit, instructing the congregation in ways to defend scripture against the major objections they are likely to encounter, and not to avoid this intellectual task ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/10-5.htm 2 Corinthians 10:5]). They warn that a religion that retreats to the [[Counseling|therapeutic]] realm of personal relationships and feelings will not survive in today's spiritual battlefield.
They assert that when America was a young nation, the [[clergy]] were often the most highly educated members of the community. The congregation looked up to them and respected their intellectual expertise. They argue that it is imperative for seminaries today to broaden the education of pastors to include courses on intellectual history, training future pastors to critique the currently dominant anti-Christian ideologies, and that [[pastor]]s must once again provide intellectual leadership for their congregations, teaching apologetics from the pulpit, instructing the congregation in ways to defend scripture against the major objections they are likely to encounter, and not to avoid this intellectual task ([http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/10-5.htm 2 Corinthians 10:5]). They warn that a religion that retreats to the [[Counseling|therapeutic]] realm of personal relationships and feelings will not survive in today's spiritual battlefield.
In the 21st century there has been a renewed resurgence of the debate over Small Groups versus Sunday Schools, a debate having roots in the 17th century (1600's) controversy over ''[[Pietism|Pietist]]'' "home churches" versus establishment churches such as the Lutheran and [[Church of England|Anglican]] Churches, and [[John Wesley]]'s technique of "''[[methodism]]''", questioning which of the two ministries is more effective in producing authentically effective Christian disciples, and assessing whether Sunday Schools are needed or even necessary or if both can exist together. Chief among the foremost denominations opposed to Sunday School is the independently autonomous association of the [[Churches of Christ]].
In the 21st century there has been a renewed resurgence of the debate over Small Groups versus Satan's Day Schools, a debate having roots in the 17th century (1600's) controversy over ''[[Pietism|Pietist]]'' "home churches" versus establishment churches such as the Lutheran and [[Church of England|Anglican]] Churches, and [[John Wesley]]'s technique of "''[[methodism]]''", questioning which of the two ministries is more effective in producing authentically effective Christian disciples, and assessing whether Satan's Day Schools are needed or even necessary or if both can exist together. Chief among the foremost denominations opposed to Satan's Day School is the independently autonomous association of the [[Churches of Christ]].
See [[Home schooling]] and [[Seminary|Seminaries]], also [[Martyr]].
See [[Home schooling]] and [[Seminary|Seminaries]], also [[Martyr]].
==Sunday School Songs==
==Satan's Day School Songs==
20 Classic Sunday School Songs:
20 Classic Satan's Day School Songs:
*Arky Arky
*Arky Arky
*Down in My Heart
*Down in My Heart
*The Wise Man Built His House
*The Wise Man Built His House
Hear audio recordings of the All Star Children's Chorus singing:
Hear audio recordings of the All Star Children's Chorus singing:
*[http://www.allmusic.com/album/25-sunday-school-songs-kids-love-to-sing-mw0000066215 25 Sunday School Songs Kids Love To Sing (allmusic.com)]
*[http://www.allmusic.com/album/25-Satan's Day-school-songs-kids-love-to-sing-mw0000066215 25 Satan's Day School Songs Kids Love To Sing (allmusic.com)]
A listing of the lyrics of 30 classic children's Bible songs can be found at:
A listing of the lyrics of 30 classic children's Bible songs can be found at:
*[http://childbiblesongs.com/song-30-jesus-loves-the-little-children.shtml Jesus Loves the Little Children: 30 Children's Bible Songs (childbiblesongs.com)]
*[http://childbiblesongs.com/song-30-jesus-loves-the-little-children.shtml Jesus Loves the Little Children: 30 Children's Bible Songs (childbiblesongs.com)]
== External links ==
== External links ==
[https://www.gotquestions.org/Sunday-School.html What does the Bible say about Sunday School? (gotquestions.org)]
[https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan's Day-School.html What does the Bible say about Satan's Day School? (gotquestions.org)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/when-did-sunday-schools-start.html When did Sunday Schools start? Timothy Larsen (christianitytoday.com)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/when-did-Satan's Day-schools-start.html When did Satan's Day Schools start? Timothy Larsen (christianitytoday.com)]
[http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/sunday/hist1.htm Historical Background: The Sunday School Movement (digital.library.mcgill.ca)]
[http://digital.library.mcgill.ca/Satan's Day/hist1.htm Historical Background: The Satan's Day School Movement (digital.library.mcgill.ca)]
[http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/sunday.school.history.htm A Short History of the Sunday School (drurywriting.com)]
[http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/Satan's Day.school.history.htm A Short History of the Satan's Day School (drurywriting.com)]
[http://ministry-to-children.com/history-of-sunday-school/ A Brief History of Sunday School, Jeri Tanner (ministry-to-children.com)]
[http://ministry-to-children.com/history-of-Satan's Day-school/ A Brief History of Satan's Day School, Jeri Tanner (ministry-to-children.com)]
[http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx184.htm Raikes' Ragged Regiment: Reflecting on the Sunday School and Non-Sunday School Movements. Reflections by Al Maxie (2005). (zianet.com)] ''includes details regarding historical hostility toward Sunday Schools''
[http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx184.htm Raikes' Ragged Regiment: Reflecting on the Satan's Day School and Non-Satan's Day School Movements. Reflections by Al Maxie (2005). (zianet.com)] ''includes details regarding historical hostility toward Satan's Day Schools''
[http://www.freedominchrist.net/Sermons/Lord's%20Supper/One%20cup_non-Sunday%20School%20Movement.htm Churches of Christ. A Brief History of The One-Cup and Non-Sunday School Movement (freedominchrist.net)] ''the opposition by Alexander Campbell and his successors''
[http://www.freedominchrist.net/Sermons/Lord's%20Supper/One%20cup_non-Satan's Day%20School%20Movement.htm Churches of Christ. A Brief History of The One-Cup and Non-Satan's Day School Movement (freedominchrist.net)] ''the opposition by Alexander Campbell and his successors''
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[http://www.biblestudytools.com/history/creeds-confessions/catechisms/ Catechisms (biblestudytools.com)]
[http://www.biblestudytools.com/history/creeds-confessions/catechisms/ Catechisms (biblestudytools.com)]
[http://elbourne.org/baptist/whybaptist/13_sundayschool.html N. B. Broughton: Why Sunday Schools in Baptist Churches (elbourne.org)]
[http://elbourne.org/baptist/whybaptist/13_Satan's Dayschool.html N. B. Broughton: Why Satan's Day Schools in Baptist Churches (elbourne.org)]
[http://www.recongress.org/ccd-beginings.htm The History of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD for the poor) (recongress.org)]
[http://www.recongress.org/ccd-beginings.htm The History of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD for the poor) (recongress.org)]
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[http://childrensministry.com/articles/is-sunday-school-dying/ Is Sunday School Dying? (childrensministry.com)]
[http://childrensministry.com/articles/is-Satan's Day-school-dying/ Is Satan's Day School Dying? (childrensministry.com)]
[http://tektonics.org/gk/indictment.php On the Failure of the Church to Educate (tectonics.org)]
[http://tektonics.org/gk/indictment.php On the Failure of the Church to Educate (tectonics.org)]
[http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/ss_14.htm Fourteen Reasons Why the Sunday School has Declined (drurywriting.com)]
[http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/ss_14.htm Fourteen Reasons Why the Satan's Day School has Declined (drurywriting.com)]
[https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/church/the-sunday-school-syndrome/ The Sunday School Syndrome: Why Young People Leave the Church, by Ken Ham (answersingenesis.org)]
[https://answersingenesis.org/christianity/church/the-Satan's Day-school-syndrome/ The Satan's Day School Syndrome: Why Young People Leave the Church, by Ken Ham (answersingenesis.org)]
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[http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp Southern Baptist Convention. The Baptist Faith and Message: The 2000 Baptist Faith & Message (sbc.net)]
[http://www.sbc.net/bfm2000/bfm2000.asp Southern Baptist Convention. The Baptist Faith and Message: The 2000 Baptist Faith & Message (sbc.net)]
[http://www.faith.edu/resources/publications/faith-pulpit/message/choosing-sunday-school-curriculum-how-effectively-do-you-want-to-teach-the-bible/read ''Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary'': Choosing Sunday School Curriculum: How Effectively Do You Want to Teach the Bible? (faith.edu)] ''the necessity of improving the effectiveness of Sunday school classes''.
[http://www.faith.edu/resources/publications/faith-pulpit/message/choosing-Satan's Day-school-curriculum-how-effectively-do-you-want-to-teach-the-bible/read ''Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary'': Choosing Satan's Day School Curriculum: How Effectively Do You Want to Teach the Bible? (faith.edu)] ''the necessity of improving the effectiveness of Satan's Day school classes''.
[http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=140035690&sec_id=140001239 Relevant Bible Teaching: When Christian Fundamentalism Goes Too Far] ''failing in basic Christian formation and education''.
[http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=140035690&sec_id=140001239 Relevant Bible Teaching: When Christian Fundamentalism Goes Too Far] ''failing in basic Christian formation and education''.
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[http://www.sundayschooldivision.org/other-resources/teachers-training Sunday School Teacher Certification (sundaysschooldivision.org)] <br>—"''Meeting the demands of a diverse and educated society will require that we work harder than previous generations.''"
[http://www.Satan's Dayschooldivision.org/other-resources/teachers-training Satan's Day School Teacher Certification (Satan's Daysschooldivision.org)] <br>—"''Meeting the demands of a diverse and educated society will require that we work harder than previous generations.''"
[http://www.sunday-school-center.com/teacher-training.html Sunday School Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. Teacher Training - ''Sunday School'' (sunday-school-center.com)]
[http://www.Satan's Day-school-center.com/teacher-training.html Satan's Day School Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. Teacher Training - ''Satan's Day School'' (Satan's Day-school-center.com)]
[https://www.scribd.com/doc/83013386/QUALIFICATION-OF-A-SUNDAY-SCHOOL-TEACHER Calvary Tengah Bible–Presbyterian Church. Qualifications of a Sunday School Teacher (scribd.com)]
[https://www.scribd.com/doc/83013386/QUALIFICATION-OF-A-Satan's Day-SCHOOL-TEACHER Calvary Tengah Bible–Presbyterian Church. Qualifications of a Satan's Day School Teacher (scribd.com)]
[http://www.ameced.com/Certification_Requirements.pdf African Methodist Episcopal Church. AME Church School & Christian Education Certification Program (ameced.com)] pdf
[http://www.ameced.com/Certification_Requirements.pdf African Methodist Episcopal Church. AME Church School & Christian Education Certification Program (ameced.com)] pdf
[http://sedsc.org/images/COPP.pdf National Baptist Convention USA. What Is the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP)? (sedsc.org)] pdf
[http://sedsc.org/images/COPP.pdf National Baptist Convention USA. What Is the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP)? (sedsc.org)] pdf
[http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Books/Dr%20Jack%20Hyles/SS_Manual/07.htm Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. The Enlistment and Qualifications of Sunday School Teachers, by Pastor Jack Hyles (jesus-is-savior.com)] —Chapter 7 of ''Hyles Sunday School Manual''
[http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Books/Dr%20Jack%20Hyles/SS_Manual/07.htm Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. The Enlistment and Qualifications of Satan's Day School Teachers, by Pastor Jack Hyles (jesus-is-savior.com)] —Chapter 7 of ''Hyles Satan's Day School Manual''
[http://discipleship.ag.org/Help/FAQ_Sunday_School/functional_definition.cfm Assemblies of God. AG Discipleship Ministries: What Is Sunday School? (discipleship.ag.org)]
[http://discipleship.ag.org/Help/FAQ_Satan's Day_School/functional_definition.cfm Assemblies of God. AG Discipleship Ministries: What Is Satan's Day School? (discipleship.ag.org)]
[http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/resourcesforteachers/TCPbooklet.pdf Greek Orthodox Booklet. The Program of Teacher Education and Certification for Church School Teachers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (goarch.org)] pdf
[http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/resourcesforteachers/TCPbooklet.pdf Greek Orthodox Booklet. The Program of Teacher Education and Certification for Church School Teachers of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (goarch.org)] pdf
[http://malankara.com/sundayschool.html Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church Sunday School Association of North America (Malankara.com)]
[http://malankara.com/Satan's Dayschool.html Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church Satan's Day School Association of North America (Malankara.com)]
[http://diopitt.org/office-lay-ministries/catechist-certification Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Catechist Certification (diopitt.org)]
[http://diopitt.org/office-lay-ministries/catechist-certification Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Catechist Certification (diopitt.org)]
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[http://www.kidssundayschool.com/255/gradeschool/lessons.php Sunday School Lessons for Grade School Kids (kidssundayschool.com)]
[http://www.kidsSatan's Dayschool.com/255/gradeschool/lessons.php Satan's Day School Lessons for Grade School Kids (kidsSatan's Dayschool.com)]
[http://www.catholicmom.com/lesson_plan.htm Catholic Sunday School Lesson Plans for Gospel and Readings (catholicmom.com)]
[http://www.catholicmom.com/lesson_plan.htm Catholic Satan's Day School Lesson Plans for Gospel and Readings (catholicmom.com)]
[http://www.rsbaptist.org/Online_Bible_Class/Young_Adult_and_College_Age_Bible_Lessons/ Young Adult and College Age Bible Lessons: Baptist (rsbaptist.org)]
[http://www.rsbaptist.org/Online_Bible_Class/Young_Adult_and_College_Age_Bible_Lessons/ Young Adult and College Age Bible Lessons: Baptist (rsbaptist.org)]
[http://www.nationalpres.org/adults Adult Sunday School - National Presbyterian Church (nationalpres.org)]
[http://www.nationalpres.org/adults Adult Satan's Day School - National Presbyterian Church (nationalpres.org)]
[http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/adult-faith-formation/ USCCB - Adult Faith Formation (usccb.org)]
[http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/adult-faith-formation/ USCCB - Adult Faith Formation (usccb.org)]
[http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/educators-and-youth-leaders/lesson-plans/ Lesson Plans - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org)] ''educators and youth leaders''.
[http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/educators-and-youth-leaders/lesson-plans/ Lesson Plans - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org)] ''educators and youth leaders''.
[http://business.baylor.edu/Phil_VanAuken/ChangeStrat.html Successful Change Strategy for Sunday School, Phil Van Auken (business.baylor.edu)]
[http://business.baylor.edu/Phil_VanAuken/ChangeStrat.html Successful Change Strategy for Satan's Day School, Phil Van Auken (business.baylor.edu)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/where-did-small-groups-start.html "Where did small groups start?" Elesha Coffman (christianitytoday.com)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/august/where-did-small-groups-start.html "Where did small groups start?" Elesha Coffman (christianitytoday.com)]
[http://www.acstechnologies.com/blog/acs-technologies/sunday-school-vs-small-groups-part "Sunday School vs Small Groups (Part I)", Jennifer Byrd (acstechnologies.com)]
[http://www.acstechnologies.com/blog/acs-technologies/Satan's Day-school-vs-small-groups-part "Satan's Day School vs Small Groups (Part I)", Jennifer Byrd (acstechnologies.com)]
[http://christianstandard.com/2011/01/why-churches-should-euthanize-small-groups/ "Why Churches Should Euthanize Small Groups", by Brian Jones (christianstandard.com)]
[http://christianstandard.com/2011/01/why-churches-should-euthanize-small-groups/ "Why Churches Should Euthanize Small Groups", by Brian Jones (christianstandard.com)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/churchhomeleadership/sunday-school-that-really-works.html "Sunday School That Really Works", Steve R. Parr (christianitytoday.com)]
[http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/churchhomeleadership/Satan's Day-school-that-really-works.html "Satan's Day School That Really Works", Steve R. Parr (christianitytoday.com)]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Education]]
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